Saba Island Caribbean

Saba is a volcanic island rising out of the Caribbean, and is a ‘special municipality’ of the Netherlands –. Saba is known as the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”. Nearly half of Saba’s 5 square miles (13 square km) is covered in verdant tropical rain forest; the other half is sprinkled with picturesque villages. You’ll find no franchises here. You will find small eclectic bars and restaurants that will infuse your nightlife after you’ve hiked a mountain rainforest trail, dove a dive site or just lounged by a pool with a good book. It’s easy to fall into the pace of island life. Every year, more tourists are turned on to Saba’s charms and make the 11-minute flight from St. Maarten into the tiny airport with a runway not much larger than an aircraft carrier’s.

Below the waterline lies a colorful kingdom of coral teeming with sharks, turtles and luminous tropical fish. Scuba diving is renowned here, but there are also opportunities for free diving, snorkeling or swimming at one of Saba’s two ocean coves.

Sabans are a tight-knit group; nothing happens without everyone hearing about it, making crime pretty much a nonissue. They welcome newcomers and tend to make travelers feel less like tourists and more like old friends. Before you leave Saba’s shores, you will have experienced the true beauty and community of Saba, made new friends and, like many others before you, a return visit will be the only thing on your mind. To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on the island of Saba, visit here. Now view our Saba Island Caribbean Travel Guide to help plan your next Saba Island Caribbean vacation!

Saba Weather – When to Visit

The average temperature in Saba is a mild 80°F, which generally varies only a few degrees. In the summer, temperatures may climb up to 88°F, while in the winter they may occasionally drop below 70°F. The high season is mid-December to mid-April when the European and North American countries have there coldest months and residence often head to warmer climates.

Traveling during the hurricane season from the beginning of June until the end of November, risk the possibility you may encounter one of the storms.

Saba Attractions

Mt. Scenery

Stone and concrete steps—1,064 of them—rise to a mahogany grove at the summit. En route, the steps pass giant elephant ears, ferns, begonias, mangoes, palms, and orchids—six identifiable ecosystems in all. Staff at the Trail Shop in Windward side can provide a field guide. Have your hotel pack a lunch, wear sturdy shoes, and take a jacket and water. The three-hour round-trip is best begun in the early morning.

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Harry L Johnson Museum

Surrounded by wildflowers, this pint-sized museum occupies a quaint 1840-built sea-captain’s cottage and is crammed with an eclectic collection. Highlights include vintage photographs of Dutch royalty, Saba’s first telephone, the Steinway piano hoisted up the Ladder by eight strong Saban lads, and an old rock oven. A museum guide brings the stories behind the objects to life. Outside, look for the large cistern used to gather water and, above it, the family cemetery.

Ladder Bay

Until the mid-20th century, before Fort Bay was enlarged as a port, everything – from supplies to the Queen – was hauled up to the Bottom via the Ladder, a series of more than 800 steps built into the rock on the island’s west coast. Panoramic views aside, these days there’s not much here other than an abandoned customs house halfway along the route. Snorkeling is possible in the bay when the weather’s calm.

Cove Bay

Behind a breakwater constructed from boulders to keep currents at bay, this little cove is one of the island’s two ocean swimming spots, with excellent snorkeling in calm weather. It’s sunniest in the morning; there’s a small strip of coarse sand but no amenities. Order a taxi at the airport for the return trip or hike the 4 km Spring Bay Trail to Windwardside.

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Wells Bay

This marine park encircles the island, dipping down to 200 feet. It’s zoned for diving, swimming, fishing, boating, and anchorage. A unique aspect of Saba’s diving is the submerged pinnacles at about 70 feet deep. Here all forms of sea creatures rendezvous. The information center offers talks and slide shows for divers and snorkelers and provides literature on marine life. Before you visit, call to see if anyone is around.

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Things to Do in Saba

Saba Divers

Saba Divers is an award-winning dive center with its main priority on non crowded, safe and fun dives. They organize all you need on the beautiful island. Hotel rooms, restaurant reservations, transfers, hiking tour etc. Their instructors are top notch, friendly and professional and with a passion and love for diving themselves. They are focus on custom designed diving and quality over quantity. Telephone: 599-416-2526 Web: Saba Divers.

Sea Saba

At Sea Saba, they recognize that choosing the right dive operation can make the difference between a good dive trip and an extraordinary diving experience. The combination of the most experienced dive team, great boats, attentive service and professionalism are the ingredients that allow them to provide the utmost in your underwater experience. Big boats don’t mean big crowds. Their 40-foot boats have 2 decks with sun protection, sturdy platforms and ladders. With 2 boats, they can split our divers according to experience levels and diving styles. For more than 30 years, Sea Saba is the proven dive center in the region. Telephone: 599-416-2246 Web: Sea Saba.

Saba Freediving School

Saba Freediving School offers all the advantages and benefits for learning how to free dive, obtaining your freediving certification, and discovering the magical waters of Saba. It doesn’t matter whether you are an apprentice or an advanced free diver, you can always count on the support of one of our AIDA specialists. They specialize in freediving Animal Encounter expeditions. Telephone: 599-416-9213 Web: Saba Freediving School.

Best Saba Restaurants

Chez Bubba Bistro $31 – 60

On a rooftop amid a lovely garden strung with fairy lights, this romantic and charming restaurant is owned by the attentive, service-oriented team at Queen’s Gardens Resort. The American-born, Netherlands-trained chef offers a menu of well-executed French classics like escargots, frog legs, salad with smoked duck breast, excellent steaks (like filet mignon with or without a slice of foie gras), or a chicken breast roulade stuffed with blue cheese. But it’s not all meat. There’s a vegetarian quiche and fresh fish on the menu, too. Be sure to try the terrific, unusual desserts. Telephone: 599-416-2539 Web: Chez Bubba Bistro.

Queen’s Garden Restaurant $31 – 60

You can expect excellent service to go with superb Saban lobster or some other tasty offering at Queen’s Garden Restaurant. The smoked-duck-breast salad starter is mouthwatering. Go early for cocktails at the outdoor bar, overlooking the pool, then stay and be awed by the star-studded sky. Poolside parties, musical events, and theme nights with international flavors spice things up. A jacket is required for dinner. Telephone: 599-416-3494 Web: Queen’s Garden Restaurant.

Bizzy Bee Bakery Under $10

Chat with the locals in the town center while you buy sandwiches or something sweet to have with your tea or coffee. The turkey panini and breads such as cornbread, multigrain, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, and milk bread are also tasty. The tourist bureau is right across the street. Telephone: 599-416-2900 Web: Bizzy B Bakery.

Brigadoon $31 – 60

Brigadoon has a varied menu of Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes, including several choices for vegetarians. Try local lionfish or lobster, grilled sushi-grade tuna on an organic local salad, grilled steak or pork tenderloin, or a tasty curry. On Wednesday and Friday there is shawarma on the menu (reserve by 2 on the same day), and Thursday is prime rib night. Come early to enjoy cocktails and local gossip. Telephone: 599-416-2380 Web: Brigadoon.

Island Flavor $11 – 30

The menu at Island Flavor offers everything from grilled fish to burgers to Thai-spiced chicken satay. Be sure to try one of the refreshing fruity chilled drinks. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks (on request you can have dinner here, too). Be sure to check out the craft shop next to the restaurant. Telephone: 599-416-7756 Web: Island Flavor.

Best Saba Bars & Nightlife

Scouts Place

In the Scout’s Place bar you can meet divers, tourists and locals alike. Experience the famous sunset while enjoying a drink on one of our two terraces. Spend an afternoon by the pool overlooking the sea while sipping a cocktail, or linger in the beautiful garden courtyard to either fill in your log book or simply to relax. Telephone: 599-416-2740 Web: Scout’s Place.

The Hideaway

Looking for somewhere that offers local, Caribbean food? An inviting atmosphere? Endless drinks? Then look no further! Stop by The Hideaway, leave all your worries and stress behind and escape at The Hideaway! Telephone: 599-416-2795 Web: The Hideaway.

Pop’s Place

Named for its original owner, Pops; this seaside hangout quickly became a staple hang-out for Saban locals and visiting tourist alike. Now, reopening its doors after a complete renovation, Pops Place hopes to reclaim some of its old charm with a flair for the real. It boasts a bar reminiscent of a ship. Its relaxed interior with subdued colors, beckons those who want a quick drink or a leisurely meal. Telephone: 599-416-3640 Web: Pop’s Place.

Swingin’ Doors

Swinging Doors is definitely the place where everybody knows your name. It anchors the corner in Windwardside opposite the Big Rock Market. Owner and bartender Eddie Hassell has the neighborhood watering hole recipe down pat: a well-stocked inventory, and simple fare to include hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, etc. Telephone: 599-416-2506 Web: Swingin’ Doors.

Tropics Café

Tropics Café’s charming terrace dining room overlooks the pool with a panoramic view of the mountainside terrain and the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea. Enhance your experience by relaxing at the pool with a cool refreshing drink and unique menu choices that only Tropic’s can provide. On Fridays, 2 for 1 beers, free Jell-O shots, and great appetizers platters. Free wine and happy hour every day from 4pm until 5pm (except Mondays). Telephone: 599-416-2469 Web: Tropics Café.

Best Saba Hotels

Pete’s Cottage

Pete’s Cottage is a detached holiday home for adults set in Windwardside in the Saba Region. Guests benefit from terrace, garden and porch. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. The kitchen comes with an oven, a microwave and a fridge, as well as a coffee machine. Towels and bed linen are provided at Pete’s Cottage. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including diving, hiking and swimming.

Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel

Located on the small island of Saba, Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel offers a peaceful garden and charming rooms with stunning mountain views. Each spacious room has free Wi-Fi and cable TV. A tour desk and free parking are available at the property. Bars and restaurants can be found in nearby Windward Side village, while hiking trails and secluded beaches are within a 5-minute drive. Juancho E Yrausquin Airport is 3.1 miles away.

Scout’s Place Hotel

Scout’s Place Hotel is your all-in-one-resort on Saba. A cozy Caribbean Inn with a local bar, excellent restaurant and an award winning dive center round off the picture. Their friendly staff can organize all your activities on Saba and provide you with the information you need to spend a great time hiking, diving or just relaxing on our lovely island. They are committed to make your stay unforgettable and fun.

The Cottage Club Hotel

Privacy, tranquility and comfortable amenities combined with attentive and charming service are an integral part of your stay at The Cottage Club. Conveniently situated to the activities of Windwardside Village, yet seemly miles from civilization, this lovely collection of Saban cottages and the central Great House, surrounded by lush palm-filled tropical gardens, provide a low-key estate like setting.

El Momo Cottages

Peace – Nature – Silence. Nature lovers who enjoy priceless amenities of tropical flowers, palm trees and hammocks overlooking a deep blue sea and warm hospitality will find El Momo to be the perfect retreat. It’s small, quiet, charming and a little “Robinson Crusoe like”; A little piece of paradise where time moves slowly and attention is paid to details. They have breathtaking sea views and fantastic ocean sunsets from October to March.

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28 Comments

JenOctober 26, 2017 at 2:05 pm

This looks like my perfect vacation destination! I love that it is small and quiet, but also has all the things you need. It looks very peaceful to just sit and read a book or head out to get a bite or a drink at one of the locations you’ve mentioned.

This post is very informative and gives a lot of great information on the island itself, as well as getting there and what to do when you’re there.

Jen, So glad you enjoyed reading and learning about Saba Island. Yes, small and quiet, but packed with all the things you want to do on such a wonderful Caribbean Island. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com

This post is incredibly informative. I’m always looking for new beaches to go to (I’m border-line obsessed with the ocean), and I always love to find these hidden gems! I will be sure to add Saba to my bucket list! 😀

I am right there with you, so much so that I just recently moved close to the beach. It calls my name 😀 Glad you enjoyed the read on the Saba Island Travel Guide. Please do come back when you are ready to plan, and maybe I can help you find a great deal!

Yes, Saba is amazing! There are two gyms on Saba. One is in Windwarside behind Rumours (the pizzaria) and the other is at school (behind the library). Both have a number of Nautilus type machines as well as free weights and benches. The school gym just opened in mid-semester, so everything is brand new In additon to the machines, it has a treadmill. The Windwarside gym has (I believe) more free weights. So, you will be able to keep up with your work out while also having fun 🙂

The only thing I like more than going to the Caribbean, is learning about new places to visit in the Caribbean! Did I read correctly that no passport is required to visit? That’s so cool! Although I have one, it makes me intrigued to see what kind of island it is. From my experiences, the smaller the island, the cooler the experience. Saba is definitely getting put on my list of places to go next.

Yep, no passport and you are right, small island does equate to a very unique and fun experience. Thanks for digitally experiencing Saba Island. Hopefully you can plan and make your visit to this Caribbean paradise soon!

The island doesn’t look big enough to land a plane on in the big picture above but when I read what was on the island all together I was quite shocked and impressed, just looking at it it looks inhabited to be honest, could I take the whole family there, kids and all?

It isn’t that big of an island, but yes you could take the entire family there. They have great villas available and the price is better than, say going to St Lucia or one of the other popular Caribbean Islands. Thanks for visiting the Saba Island Travel Guide Matthew!

What a beautiful island! Thank you for posting information about the recent hurricane and its impact on Saba. I am looking to visit early next year. Is there a hotel that is best with children? Thanks!

Yes it is beautiful! Your best bet for a great hotel good for children is going to be The Cottage Club Hotel. The price is actually really great and these are cottages with a kitchen and family area, along with all the amenities of a hotel. You and your family would feel at home and have a wonderful time staying here. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

It’s good to read that Saba made it out of this hurricane season OK so far. I have been wanting and planning a trip there, but wanted to make sure that the island was intact and taking visitors 🙂 I am definitely looking for some relaxation and fun in the sun. You have provided everything for me, awesome site and information on Saba. The perfect place… quiet, romantic, and relaxing… with great beaches! Thank you for sharing!

Yes, it is good that they missed all the devastation. Now you are good to go and can start planning your fun in the sun. Saba is definitely a great Caribbean island that stands out for being peaceful, quitter, and of course with amazing beaches. Let me know if you need any more information.

What a nice little island. I have never heard of Saba, yet I’ve been to St. Marteen twice and totally loved it. Best beaches in my opinion and very safe. Im happy I found and learned something new today. Thank you so much.

Yes, most people have not heard of Saba before making it kind of a gem in the Caribbean, as you will find the tourist crowd to be a little (maybe a lot) less than other Caribbean islands. I would have to say that the beaches of Saba are going to be very comparable to those of St. Martin. You would enjoy Saba for sure! Thank you for reading the Saba Island Travel Guide!

I also loved to travel just like everyone else but I really like researching the place before going to truly understand and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the place.
I have not went to Saba Island but it is definitely one of goal to be able to one day travel there.
I really enjoyed your article, as it was just about everything I needed to know about this place! Will definitely come back to your site again! Thanks! 🙂

It is sad to know saba was hit by the hurricane but it still seems like a great place to vacation .I love the recommendations on the hotel and restaurants it really gives you a lot of choices, The island looks beautiful and I like the way you talk about its history and all the fun things you can do on this island. Awesome post about Saba Island

Thank you so much Alesia, and I am glad you enjoyed reading the Saba Island Travel Guide. Yes, I am sure with their rebuilding efforts, they will be beautiful once again real soon. Thanks for visiting!

Very nice web page on Saba. My wife and I have traveled extensively in the Caribbean and have never been to Saba. Glad to hear it was spared by the hurricane. You provide a lot of good information about the Island. Very informative. Makes the reader want to visit the Island. Personally, I prefer the less traveled spots in the Caribbean. This is one of them and I’m glad. I love the recommendations on hotels and restaurants on the island. Saba is worth looking into for a vacation. Thanks for the great information, Saba is definitely a destination I am now planning!

I have visited your site on numerous occassions and I must say you are very thorough with your reviews of the islands. Thank you for putting in so much effort.

Saba sounds like a perfect place and I will definitely be putting this on my “bucket list” as a destination to visit soon. I have had my mind set on a Caribbean vacation, and Saba seems to be the perfect beach getaway for me.

My one concern is the sharks you mention, have there been any shark attacks on swimmers? When anyone mentions sharks I immediately get images in my brain from the movie “Jaws”.. LOL

You are so welcome Moni, and I am glad you have enjoyed visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com. Yes, there is the threat of sharks in the waters of Saba, but their worst threat is hurricanes. They have been hit with more high winds from hurricanes than most any other islands. So avoiding hurricane season, will take away most threats when visiting the island.

Looks like an idyllic little island. Shame to hear it has been affected by hurricane Irma. Looking at that luscious landscape it makes me want to book a vacation somewhere in the Carribean.
Do you know if they have bike rental available over there? I like to cycle a lot. Perhaps the island roads are too steep and winding though for a tourist bike ride?

It is idyllic that is for sure. Luckily they were not heavily damaged and they are already on the road to repair 🙂 Because of the steep incline of the land, with few areas that have flat surfaces, biking would be a tremendous workout. That is probably why there are no bike or moped rentals on the island. Thanks for visiting the Saba Island Travel Guide.

My husband, children and I planned to charter a boat in St Martin or St Vincent and then head to Saba, but because of the hurricane Irma, we decided to cancel the trip. Now that the place has recovered, we can finally go sailing there. Awesome!

Since the municipality is Nederlands, what is the most spoken language in Saba? Dutch?

Yes, Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, as well as what is predominantly spoken in Saba. If you speak English, you will feel comfortable in Saba, as many speak very good English. Yes, they did not suffer much damage from the hurricane thankfully, and welcome visitors. Thanks for visiting the Saba Island Travel Guide.